Favre files his papers with NFL

Wednesday

GREEN BAY, Wis. (AP) - Brett Favre's decision to file for reinstatement will force the Green Bay Packers to do one of three things: release him, trade him or allow him to report to camp.

If he reports, it potentially could cause a major distraction for a team that committed to moving on after he retired in March.

NFL spokesman Randall Liu confirmed that Favre sent his reinstatement paperwork to the NFL offices yesterday. He now is awaiting approval from Commissioner Roger Goodell, a step that is considered a formality but wouldn't be forthcoming until today at the earliest.

Once Favre is reinstated, the Packers will have 24 hours to decide what to do with him.

"That's obviously the first step in Brett coming back, so we'll deal with that when he is reinstated and we'll definitely have a plan in order," Packers Coach Mike McCarthy said after practice yesterday afternoon.

ESPN first reported that Favre faxed the letter earlier yesterday.

If Goodell reinstates Favre today, his return to the practice field for the Packers could come Friday. The Packers practice twice today but can wait a day to put Favre back on their active roster. The team does not have a scheduled public practice tomorrow.

Throughout Favre's latest round of flip-flopping on his football future, Packers officials have said that Favre had the option of rejoining the team - but Aaron Rodgers would be the starter.

"Brett Favre is still a very good football player," McCarthy said yesterday. "He is an asset to our football team. Once again, I'm going to answer this question for the last time. The plan for Brett Favre will be discussed with Brett Favre first, and then we'll make it aware to the public."

McCarthy also said Rodgers will start all of the preseason games and probably get more playing time than Favre used to in the preseason.

Rodgers insisted he isn't bothered by the potential of having Favre lurking over his shoulder.

"I'm not as affected as you guys think I am or should be," Rodgers said. "They told me I'm the starter, and until that changes, that's going to be my focus."

Rodgers said he is confident in his abilities and the firm commitment he has received from Packers coaches.

"I've been empowered as the starting quarterback, and until that changes, I'll say it again, that's going to be my focus," Rodgers said.

Rodgers said he and Favre have "never had a problem" and would probably "joke around" when they saw each other again.